Fun at the International Children’s Festival

We just spent the day at the International Children’s Festival in St. Albert and had the best time! It was one of those days that you smile about because you know that your child had a blast, played his little heart out and felt free to explore a festival made just for him!

Children's Festival Toddler Town

Toddler Town Stage

My FAVOURITE things about the International Children’s Festival:

  • Like I said, it’s a festival specifically designed for the kids! Unlike some large events you really don’t have to worry about anything being inappropriate at this one, everything is child friendly. I also love how helpful teenagers volunteer everywhere to help run this festival!
  • The festival seamlessly blends fun, education and culture together through interactive displays, imaginative entertainers, musical performances, crafts and more! This isn’t just a bouncy castle in a field, this is a festival full of talented entertainers, musicians and professionals sharing their passions.
  • Toddler Town! If you have children 4 and under, you will likely spend a lot of your time here. Entry is $5 per child and adults are free. This huge tented space is wonderful! There is a large stroller parking area, quiet space with furniture (ideal for nursing or calming down), a diaper change area with wipes and extra diapers, book corner, craft area, play/tumbling space with mats and a stage with performances every half hour. We saw Michelle and Friends- who had our toddlers dancing in the front row and the storytelling session- which introduced the kids to some new books as well as old favourites.
  • Gorgeous downtown St. Albert! Location is key and they’ve got it with this one. We love walking along the river path and making our way through the festival. It’s also helpful that there are porta potties everywhere, roving entertainers (my son was amazed by the cowboy in stilts) and the playground at Lion’s Park.
Children's Festival Toddler Town

Toddler Town

Tips for visiting the festival:

  • Take the park and ride from St. Albert Centre. It’s free and it will save you time and your patience!
  • The Toddler Town area is by the playground in Lion’s Park. There are flush toilets in the bathroom building, just in case you have a kids who is sketchy about porta potties.
  • Just west of the Todder Town is an area (by the CN stage at the Curling Club) where you can buy food such as burgers, hot dogs, tacos, pizza, donairs, ice cream and mini donuts. There is a tented area with picnic tables. There are other choices at the Front Plaza (in front of St. Albert Place) but it is quite a walk if your child is starving and having a ‘hangry’ moment.
  • While you are visiting the Lions Park Concessions make sure you check out the Save On Foods Tent. They have a huge sandbox with areas that kids can dig to find treasures and trade them in for prizes.
  • Face painting and air brush tattoos are free! Some activities and shows require you to purchase a ticket, but there is lots to do at no cost as well. If your babe is under 24 months and on your lap for ticketed performances they are free. For more information about admission, click here.
  • Pick up a map at an information tent as soon as you arrive.
  • Again, you will be walking, so bring your carrier, stroller or a wagon. There was plenty of space in most areas for our stroller and I was glad I had it.
  • Lemon Heaven, which makes the best fresh lemonade IMO, is right along the trail by the river. We added some cherry syrup and it was delish!
  • Don’t stress about the schedule. Some events are timed and others are running constantly. The good thing is almost everything repeats at some point so if you miss it you can catch it again later (especially in Toddler Town).
Children's Festival

Save On Foods Giant Sandbox

The International Children’s Festival runs from May 26-30 in Downtown St. Albert. For more information about the performance descriptions, schedule and more, click here.

I hope you enjoy your day at the International Children’s Festival as much as we did! XO,

kimberlysig

 

Children's Festival

Activities at the Education Station tent

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